Brora: A northerly links haven with marvellous holes aplenty
Brora Golf Club is one of the most northerly courses in Britain and represents all the attributes of a traditional Scottish Highland links.
A rugged links that is as natural as they come, the front nine hugs the coastline before you turn and head back to the clubhouse.
Add in the views of the sea and nearby beaches, burn water and vast amounts of gorse and it becomes quick to see why Brora is something of a links haven. There is even a railway which must be negotiated from the 10th tee!
History
The golf course was originally nine holes until around 1900, when it was extended to 18 holes. In 1923 James Braid, five times Open Champion and a prolific designer of golf courses, was invited to visit by the club committee.
This he did in 1924 and for the princely sum of £25 plus travelling expenses, submitted plans for a redesigned 18 hole layout
Officially established by the man himself, the design which came to be known as ‘Braid’s Plan’ has hardly been altered to this day.
What makes it special
We can think of no other course in Scotland which has so many holes playing so close to the sea.
There are no dunes to obscure the magnificent seascape, which is an added bonus to the already marvellous panorama.
There are so many great holes, but the sixth and especially the ninth, a 162-yard par three called Sea Hole, is the standout. Exactly what it says it is: almost on the beach and known to have been covered in seaweed after a storm.
Where does it rank?
103rd in GB&I, 23rd in Scotland, and 13th in Fun.
Where is it?
Brora is situated on the A9 approximately 55 miles North of Inverness.
Get in touch with Brora
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01408 621417.
- Related: NCG Top 100s Tour: Register to play Brora Now!
- Related: NCG Top 100s: Brora Golf Club review
Have you played Brora before? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us.
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Ben Outhwaite
Ben is National Club Golfer's Marketing Editor and the latest addition to our golf equipment review team.
He specialises in testing golf bags, beginner golf club sets, apparel and golf accessories. He also collates our buying guides so you know which are the latest and greatest bits of golf equipment on the market.
Ben picked up his first golf club when he was five years old – which was in fact a left-handed set of clubs!
He is a member at Rudding Park Golf Club and has a handicap of fifteen.
